Telehealth GP Consultations for Perimenopause & Menopause

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is diagnosed when a woman has had 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, when there is no other obvious cause.

Menopause most commonly occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although the timing varies.

Perimenopause is the period before menopause when hormone levels fluctuate and menstrual cycles can become irregular.

During perimenopause, you may experience:

• Irregular periods
• Heavier or lighter periods
• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Sleep difficulties
• Mood changes
• Anxiety or irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Vaginal dryness
• Reduced sexual desire
• Urinary symptoms
• Joint or muscle aches
• Headaches or migraines
• Changes in body composition

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?

Menopause symptoms can affect several areas of your health.

Hot Flushes

Hot flushes are sudden feelings of heat, often affecting the face, neck or chest. They may be accompanied by sweating, flushing or a rapid heartbeat.

They can occur during the day or at night.

Night Sweats

Night sweats can cause excessive sweating during sleep and may result in repeated waking, tiredness and difficulty concentrating the following day.

Changes to Sleep

Some women have difficulty falling asleep, while others wake repeatedly during the night.

Sleep problems may also be related to night sweats, anxiety or changes in mood.

Mood Changes

Hormonal changes during perimenopause can be associated with:

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Low mood
• Mood swings
• Reduced motivation
• Difficulty coping with stress

Persistent or significant depression or anxiety should be discussed with a GP because these symptoms may require treatment in their own right.

Vaginal and Genitourinary Symptoms

Reduced oestrogen levels can cause changes to the vagina and urinary system.

Symptoms can include:

• Vaginal dryness
• Vaginal irritation
• Pain during sex
• Reduced sexual comfort
• Urinary urgency
• Increased urinary symptoms
• Recurrent urinary tract infections in some women

These symptoms are sometimes referred to as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).

Effective treatments are available, so you do not have to simply put up with these symptoms.

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transition towards menopause.

Hormone levels can fluctuate considerably during this period, meaning symptoms may come and go.

One of the earliest signs is often a change in menstrual cycles.

You may notice:

• Periods becoming irregular
• Periods becoming closer together or further apart
• Heavier or lighter bleeding
• Skipped periods
• Hot flushes
• Sleep problems
• Mood changes
• New or worsening migraine symptoms

You can experience significant symptoms even while you are still having periods.

Can a Telehealth GP Diagnose Menopause?

In many women, particularly those in the typical age range for perimenopause or menopause, diagnosis can often be made based on symptoms and menstrual history rather than routine hormone testing.

During a NewTeleDoc Medical telehealth consultation, your GP may ask about:

• Your age
• Your menstrual cycle
• Changes in period frequency or bleeding
• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Sleep
• Mood
• Anxiety
• Vaginal or urinary symptoms
• Sexual health
• Headaches or migraines
• Current medications
• Medical conditions
• Family history
• Previous hormone treatment

Blood tests may sometimes be recommended when the diagnosis is uncertain or another medical condition needs to be considered.

Your GP will determine whether investigations are appropriate for you.

Do I Need a Blood Test for Menopause?

Not necessarily.

For women aged 45 years or older, perimenopause and menopause can often be diagnosed clinically based on symptoms and changes in menstrual cycles.

Hormone levels fluctuate during perimenopause, so a single blood test does not always provide a reliable picture of what is happening.

Blood tests may be considered in certain circumstances, including when menopause is suspected at a younger age or when another condition needs to be excluded.

Your GP can advise whether testing is appropriate for your situation.

Menopause Treatment Options

Treatment depends on your symptoms, medical history and personal preferences.

Options may include:

• Lifestyle changes
• Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)
• Vaginal oestrogen
• Non-hormonal treatments
• Psychological support
• Treatment for sleep problems
• Management of sexual or urinary symptoms
• Treatment of associated health conditions

Your GP can discuss the potential benefits and risks of each option.

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)

Menopausal hormone therapy (HRT) can be an effective treatment for symptoms such as:

• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Sleep disruption related to menopause symptoms
• Vaginal symptoms
• Some menopause-related mood symptoms

MHT generally involves oestrogen. If you have a uterus, a progestogen is usually also required to protect the lining of the uterus.

There are different forms of MHT, including:

• Tablets
• Patches
• Gels
• Sprays
• Vaginal preparations

The most appropriate treatment depends on your symptoms, medical history and individual circumstances.

Your GP can discuss whether MHT may be suitable for you.

Is MHT Safe?

MHT is not suitable for everyone, and the benefits and risks need to be considered individually.

Your GP will ask about your medical history, including conditions and previous illnesses that may affect whether hormone therapy is appropriate.

This may include a history of:

• Breast cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Blood clots
• Stroke
• Liver disease
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Cardiovascular disease

If your history makes MHT unsuitable or requires specialist advice, your GP can recommend an appropriate alternative or referral.

Vaginal Oestrogen

Vaginal oestrogen can be particularly useful for symptoms such as:

• Vaginal dryness
• Irritation
• Pain during sex
• Some urinary symptoms

It is used locally and is different from systemic MHT.

Your GP can discuss whether local treatment may be appropriate for your symptoms.

Menopause and Sexual Health

Changes in hormones during menopause can affect sexual health.

Some women experience:

• Reduced sexual desire
• Vaginal dryness
• Pain during sex
• Difficulty becoming aroused
• Changes in sexual comfort

These symptoms are common but should not simply be accepted as something you have to live with.

Treatment may include vaginal moisturisers, lubricants, local oestrogen or other approaches depending on the cause.

A GP can provide confidential advice about sexual health and discuss appropriate treatment.

Menopause and Weight Changes

Changes in body composition can occur during midlife.

Some women notice increased abdominal fat, changes in muscle mass or difficulty maintaining their previous weight.

Menopause is not the only factor involved. Ageing, activity levels, diet, sleep, stress and other health conditions can also contribute.

A healthy approach can include:

• Regular physical activity
• Resistance exercise
• Adequate protein and balanced nutrition
• Maintaining good sleep habits
• Limiting excessive alcohol
• Managing stress

Your GP can also assess whether another health condition may be contributing to unexpected weight changes.

Menopause and Bone Health

Oestrogen plays an important role in maintaining bone health.

After menopause, bone loss can accelerate in some women, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Your GP can assess your individual risk based on factors such as:

• Age
• Family history
• Previous fractures
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Body weight
• Certain medications
• Other medical conditions

If appropriate, your GP may recommend a bone density assessment or other preventive measures.

Menopause and Heart Health

Cardiovascular risk changes as women get older and after menopause.

It is important to manage factors such as:

• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Weight
• Physical activity

Menopause is also an opportunity to review your overall health and preventative care with your GP.

When Should I See a GP About Menopause?

Consider speaking with a GP if:

• Your periods are becoming irregular
• You are experiencing hot flushes or night sweats
• Menopause symptoms are affecting your sleep
• You are experiencing persistent mood changes
• You are experiencing vaginal dryness or painful sex
• Your symptoms are affecting work or daily life
• You are considering MHT
• You want to discuss non-hormonal treatment
• You have concerns about bone or heart health
• You experience menopause symptoms before the expected age
• Your symptoms are difficult to manage

You do not need to wait until your periods stop completely before seeking medical advice.

Abnormal Bleeding During Menopause

Bleeding patterns can change during perimenopause, but new or unexplained vaginal bleeding should still be assessed by a doctor.

Particularly important is any vaginal bleeding after menopause, meaning bleeding occurring after 12 months without a period.

Your GP can determine whether you need further investigation.

When Should Menopause Symptoms Be Assessed Urgently?

Menopause itself is usually not an emergency.

However, seek urgent medical attention for symptoms such as:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding causing dizziness or weakness
• Severe chest pain
• Severe shortness of breath
• Fainting
• Sudden weakness or numbness
• Difficulty speaking
• New severe headache
• Sudden vision loss
• Severe depression or thoughts of self-harm

If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.

How NewTeleDoc Medical Can Help With Menopause

A NewTeleDoc Medical telehealth GP consultation provides a convenient and private way to discuss menopause and perimenopause from home

Book a Telehealth GP Appointment for Menopause

If you are experiencing hot flushes, night sweats, irregular periods, sleep problems, mood changes, vaginal symptoms or other concerns related to perimenopause or menopause, NewTeleDoc Medical can provide a convenient telehealth GP consultation from the comfort and privacy of your home.

Your GP can assess your symptoms, discuss treatment options and determine whether further investigation or in-person care is required.

Book your NewTeleDoc Medical telehealth appointment today and speak with a GP from home.